Cover for a bell or a diaphragm of a stethoscope

ABSTRACT

A cover for a stethoscope, and in particular the bell or diaphragm of a stethoscope, has a semi rigid center portion with a flexible skirt extending therefrom. The skirt and the semi rigid center portion terminates in an expandable binding ring, thereby permitting the cove to be applied thereto. The cover may a unitary or a multiple piece.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/232,711, filed Sep. 22, 2005, by the same inventive entity. This application has now matured into U.S. Pat. No. 7,424,929.

This invention relates to a cover for a bell or a diaphragm of a stethoscope, and more particularly, to a cover for a bell or a diaphragm of a stethoscope to maintain the sterility thereof, and provide an entertaining or informing medium.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In any area of medicine, a sterile environment is desirable. This requirement applies even to the commonly used stethoscope. Medical personnel use the bell or diaphragm of a stethoscope in order to more clearly hear a person's heart beating or other bodily functions. As the stethoscope is moved from one person to another, contamination or disease can also be passed among the various patients.

It is thus very desirable to have a sterile cover for the bell or diaphragm of the stethoscope, which may be attached thereto and used with different patients. Many such covers are known. However, they suffer from a certain difficulty level of attaching or removing the cover efficiently while maintaining the sterility thereof. Also, the cover must not interfere with detection of the bodily sounds.

Such a desired combination of functions has a tendency to interfere with each other. It is therefore desirable to develop a cover, which maximizes the advantage of the cover while maintaining the utility of the stethoscope.

An even further advantage can be obtained if at least part of the cover for the bell or diaphragm of a stethoscope can be decorated in a fashion to entertain or inform the patient. This decoration can be a cartoon, an advertisement, or other suitable decoration. To have a surface suitable for receiving a decoration, while at the same time, adaptable for use on a stethoscope can provide distinct advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of a cover for a stethoscope, which permits sanitation as well as information.

A further objective of this invention is the provision of a cover for a stethoscope, which protects the bell of the stethoscope.

Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a cover for a stethoscope, which protects the diaphragm of the stethoscope.

A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a cover for a stethoscope, which is easily installed.

Another objective of this invention is the provision of a cover for a stethoscope, which is easily stored.

Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of a cover for a stethoscope, which is easily removed.

These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a cover for a stethoscope having a semi-rigid center portion with a flexible skirt extending therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of a unitary, temporary sanitary cover 100 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention being installed on the stethoscope 110 at the bell 112.

FIG. 2 depicts a top over view of a unitary, temporary sanitary cover 100 of this invention being installed on a stethoscope 110 at the diaphragm 114.

FIG. 3 depicts a cross-section view of the unitary, temporary sanitary cover 100 of this invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of a unitary, temporary sanitary cover 100 of this invention being installed on a stethoscope 110.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom perspective view of the sanitary device for a temporary, sanitary device 100 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a top perspective view of the semi-rigid disk 120 for a temporary, sanitary device 100 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a top plan view of the semi-rigid disk 120 for the temporary, sanitary device 100 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the semi-rigid disk 120 for a temporary, sanitary device 100 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention.

FIG. 9 depicts a top, exploded perspective view of a two-piece temporary, sanitary device 150 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention being installed on the stethoscope 110.

FIG. 10 depicts a top plan view of a two-piece temporary, sanitary device 150 for a stethoscope 110.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of a two-piece temporary, sanitary device 150 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention in partial cross-section.

FIG. 12 depicts a top, expanded perspective view of the two-piece temporary, sanitary device 150 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention.

FIG. 13 depicts a bottom perspective view of the sanitary device for a two-piece temporary, sanitary device 150 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention.

FIG. 14 depicts a top, perspective view of the temporary, sanitary device 100 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention.

FIG. 15 depicts a bottom perspective view of the two piece temporary sanitary device 150 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention.

FIG. 16 depicts a top plan view of semi-rigid disc 120 for the temporary, sanitary device 100 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention.

FIG. 17 depicts a top perspective view of semi-rigid disc 120 for the temporary, sanitary device 100 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention.

FIG. 18 depicts a top, exploded, perspective view of grippable temporary, sanitary device 200 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention.

FIG. 19 depicts a top plan view of grippable temporary sanitary device 200.

FIG. 20 depicts a side view of grippable temporary sanitary device 200 in cross section based on Line 20-20 of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 depicts a top, perspective view of grippable temporary sanitary device 200 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention.

FIG. 22 depicts a bottom, perspective view of grippable temporary sanitary device 200 for a stethoscope 110 of this invention.

Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention, a temporary protective cover for a stethoscope provides sanitary protection and information for patients on which the stethoscope is used. A stethoscope may contain a bell and a diaphragm for listening to various functions of a patient's body. This cover has a flexible, semi-rigid cover adapted to completely protect either the bell or the diaphragm of a stethoscope. The cover is held in place thereover with a flexible skirt extending therefrom and the terminating in an expandable binding ring. The expandable binding ring has a rest diameter less than the diameter of the diaphragm or the bell and an expandable diameter greater than the diameter of the diaphragm or the bell.

So in use, the cover for the stethoscope has the expandable binding ring stretched to a diameter or a size larger than the perimeter or the diameter of the bell or the diaphragm of the stethoscope. The bell or the diaphragm is then inserted into the skirt and adjacent to the flexible cover. Finally, the expandable binding ring is released to its rest diameter. The binding ring and the flexible skirt combined to hold the cover in position.

Any polymer capable of being formed into a light weight, flexible sheet is suitable for forming the stethoscope cover of this invention. The preferred material is a polyolefin. Useful polyolefins include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and copolymers thereof.

The grippable temporary sanitary device includes a circular and flexible frame with a circular outer rim having an open end and a closed end. Adjacent to the open end are flexible, exterior gripping members to assist the application to or removal from the stethoscope of the grippable temporary sanitary device. Adjacent to the closed end is an interior rim. Secured within the rim in order to form the closed is a flexible disk, which protests the sanitation of the stethoscope, permitting the doctor to perform a proper examination.

Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3; a unitary, temporary sanitary cover 100 for a stethoscope 110 is removably applied to the bell 112 or the diaphragm 114 of stethoscope 110. This unitary, temporary sanitary cover 100 has a flexible, semi-rigid cover 120 centrally located therein to protect either the bell 112 or the diaphragm 114 of the stethoscope 110. The unitary, temporary sanitary cover 100 is held in place thereover with a flexible skirt 122 extending from the edge of the semi-rigid cover 120. Flexible skirt 122 terminates in an expandable binding ring 124, which is oppositely disposed from the cover 120. The expandable binding ring 124 has a rest diameter 126 less than the flat diameter 128 of the diaphragm 114 or the hollow diameter 130 the bell 112.

As the expandable diameter 134 of the expandable binding ring 124 can easily reach any diameter greater than the flat diameter 128 of the diaphragm 114 or the hollow diameter 130 the bell 112, the expandable binding ring 124 may receive either flat diameter 128 or hollow diameter 130. Thus, semi-rigid cover 120 of the unitary, temporary sanitary cover 100 is releasably secured as desired over the bell 112 or the diaphragm 114 of the stethoscope 110.

Adding FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 to the consideration, the unitary, temporary sanitary cover 100 for the stethoscope 110 has the expandable binding ring 124 to permit covering of the diaphragm 114 or the bell 112 of the stethoscope 110. As the bell 112 or the diaphragm 114 is then inserted into the flexible skirt 122 and adjacent to the semi-rigid cover 120. Finally, the expandable binding ring 124 is released to its rest diameter. The binding ring 124 and the flexible skirt 122 combine to hold the semi-rigid cover 120 in position on the stethoscope 110.

The larger semi-rigid cover 120 has a printable surface 136 capable of having advertising or decorations printed or otherwise set thereon as in FIG. 1. Such decorations, such as cartoon characters, can entertain a patient. The advertising, such as drugs or healthcare tips, can inform a patient.

Furthermore, the semi-rigid cover 120 has a plurality of cover apertures 138 around the edge thereof. When the over molding of the skirt 122 to the semi-rigid cover 120, cover apertures 138 near the edge thereof permit a stronger bond of the skirt 122 thereto. Likewise, cover ridges 140 in the edge 142 of semi-rigid cover 120 assist in the bonding therebetween during the over molding process.

Referring now to FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11; a two-piece temporary sanitary device 100 for a stethoscope 110 is removably applied to the bell 112 or the diaphragm 114 of stethoscope 110. This two-piece temporary sanitary device 150 has a flexible, semi-rigid disk 120 centrally located therein to protect either the bell 112 or the diaphragm 114 of the stethoscope 110. The two piece temporary sanitary device 150 is held in place thereover with a flexible, stretchable cover 162 extending from the edge of the semi-rigid disk 160. Stretchable cover 162 terminates in an expandable binding ring 164. The expandable binding ring 164 has a rest diameter 166 less than the flat diameter 128 (FIG. 9) of the diaphragm 114 or the hollow diameter 130 of the bell 112. Semi-rigid disk 160 may also have a printable surface 136 for informative or entertainment purposes. Other desired information may also be placed thereon.

As the expandable diameter of the expandable binding ring 164 can easily reach any diameter greater than the flat diameter 128 of the diaphragm 114 or the hollow diameter 130 the bell 112. The expandable binding ring 164 may receive either flat diameter 128 or hollow diameter 130. Thus, plastic disk 160 of the two-piece temporary sanitary device 100 is releasably secured as desired over the bell 112 or the diaphragm 114 of the stethoscope 110.

Adding FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15 to the consideration, the two-piece temporary sanitary device 150 for the stethoscope 110 has the expandable binding ring 164 to permit covering of the bell 112 or the diaphragm 114 of the stethoscope 110. As the bell 112 or the diaphragm 114 is then inserted into the flexible, stretchable cover 162 and adjacent to the semi-rigid disk 162. Finally, the expandable binding ring 164 is released to its rest diameter 174. The binding ring 164 and the flexible, stretchable cover 162 combine to hold the separable plastic disk 160 in position on either the bell 112 or the diaphragm 114 of the stethoscope 110.

Turning now to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the larger separable plastic disk 160, within a disk diameter, has a printable surface 136 capable of having advertising or decorations printed or otherwise set thereon. Diameter 136 is of sufficient size for semi-rigid disk 120 to cover bell 112 or diaphragm 114, while permitting the desired bodily sounds to pass therethrough and be interpreted by medical personnel. Such decorations, such as cartoon characters, can entertain a patient. The advertising, such as drugs or healthcare tips, can inform a patient.

Then finally considering grippable temporary sanitary device 200 of FIG. 18, FIG. 19, FIG. 20, FIG. 21, and FIG. 22, a circular and flexible frame 202 has a circular outer rim 204. Circular outer rim 204 has an open end 206 and a closed end 208. Adjacent to the open end 206 are flexible, exterior gripping members 210, preferably three in number and radially spaced to assist the application to or removal from the stethoscope 110 of the grippable temporary sanitary device 200. Flexible, exterior gripping members 210 are on the outer edge of circular rim 204.

Adjacent to the closed end 208 of circular rim 204 is an interior rim 212. Secured within the interior rim 212 in order to form the closed end 208 is a flexible disk 214, which protects the sanitation of the stethoscope 110, permitting the doctor to perform a proper examination. Flexible disk 214 may also have advertising or other information printed thereon if desired.

Flexible disk 214 is secured to interior rim 212 in any suitable fashion. Gluing, heat welding, friction, or other appropriate securing functions may be used in order to secure flexible disk 214 to interior rim 212 and form closed end 208.

Preferably flexible disk 214 has thicker center portion 220 and a slender outer rim 222. Slender outer rim 222 is secured to interior rim 212, so that thicker center portion 220 forms closed end 206 of grippable temporary sanitary device 200. To facilitate the adherence of flexible disk 214 to slender outer rim 222 has a step structure 224 connecting it to center portion 220 and thereby raising it slightly to an outer rim plane at least substantially parallel to the plane of thicker center portion 220.

Additionally, within slender outer rim 222 are apertures 226. Preferably, flexible disk 214 is molded with center portion 220 with the step structure 224 leading to the slender outer rim 222 having apertures 226. Then temporary sanitary device 200 is formed with flexible disk 214, and circular and flexible frame 202 by placing flexible disk 214 in a second mold and forming the interior rim 212 of circular and flexible frame 202 around the outer rim 222 and through apertures 226 in particular. Apertures 226 (preferably 2 to 10) in number provide extra holding power for temporary sanitary device 200, between circular and flexible frame 202 and flexible disk 214.

The step structure 224 permits the flexible disk 214 to come at least close to a flattened position against a patient when the stethoscope 102 with the grippable temporary sanitary device 200 thereon is in use, and thereby providing the desired results without interfering with the use of stethoscope 112.

If desired as shown in FIG. 20, adjacent open end 206 on circular outer rim 204 is an optional gripping ledge 230. Gripping ledge 230 permits an additional holding to stethoscope 112 beyond friction of circular outer rim 204.

This application—taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings being combined—provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure.

Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and device can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure. 

1. A grippable temporary sanitary device for a bell or a diaphragm of a stethoscope comprising: a) the grippable temporary sanitary device including a circular and flexible frame, and a flexible disk; b) the circular and flexible frame having a circular outer rim; c) the circular outer rim having an open end and a closed end; d) the flexible disk forming the closed end; e) at least one flexible, exterior gripping member being positioned on an exterior of the circular outer rim adjacent to the open end; f) the at least one flexible, exterior gripping member assisting an application to or a removal from the stethoscope; g) an interior rim of the grippable temporary sanitary device being adjacent to the closed end of the circular rim; h) the flexible disk being secured within the interior rim in order to form the closed end; i) the flexible disk having a thicker center portion and a slender outer rim; j) the slender outer rim being secured to the interior rim, so that the thicker center portion forms the closed end of the grippable temporary sanitary device; k) a step structure connecting slender outer rim to the center portion and thereby; l) at least one aperture within the slender outer rim in order to facilitate holding of disk in the interior rim; m) a gripping ledge being adjacent the open end on the circular outer rim; n) the optional gripping ledge permitting an additional holding of the grippable temporary sanitary device to the stethoscope in addition a friction contact of the circular outer rim; o) the flexible disk being secured to the interior rim by gluing, heat welding, or friction; and p) the at least one aperture in the outer being two to ten apertures.
 2. The grippable temporary sanitary device of claim 1 further comprising the at least one flexible, exterior gripping member being three flexible, exterior gripping members.
 3. A method of forming a grippable temporary sanitary device for use on a bell or a diaphragm of stethoscope comprising; a) forming a disk with a thicker center portion and a slender outer rim for use in the grippable temporary sanitary device; b) having a step connecting the thicker center portion and the slender outer rim; c) positioning the disk in a desired position; d) forming a circular and flexible frame around the disk; e) the circular and flexible frame having a circular outer rim; f) the circular outer rim having an open end and a closed end; g) the flexible disk forming the closed end; h) at least one flexible, exterior gripping member being positioned on an exterior of the circular outer rim adjacent to the open end; i) the at least one flexible, exterior gripping member assisting an application to or a removal from the stethoscope; j) an interior rim of the grippable temporary sanitary device being adjacent to the closed end of the circular rim; k) the flexible disk being secured within the interior rim in order to form the closed end; l) the flexible disk having a thicker center portion and a slender outer rim; m) the slender outer rim being secured to the interior rim, so that the thicker center portion forms the closed end of the grippable temporary sanitary device; n) a step structure connecting slender outer rim to the center portion and thereby; o) at least one aperture within the slender outer rim in order to facilitate holding of disk in the interior rim; p) a gripping ledge being adjacent the open end on the circular outer rim; q) the optional gripping ledge permitting an additional holding of the grippable temporary sanitary device to the stethoscope in addition a friction contact of the circular outer rim; r) the flexible disk being secured to the interior rim by gluing, heat welding, or friction; and s) the at least one aperture in the outer being two to ten apertures.
 4. The method of claim 3 further comprising the at least one flexible, exterior gripping member being three flexible, exterior gripping members.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the grippable temporary sanitary device is formed from a polymer of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or copolymers thereof.
 6. The grippable temporary sanitary device of claim 2 being formed of a polymer of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or copolymers thereof. 